Coal miner jailed for 15 years over rape of young girl

Ray Williams was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years and three months imprisonment for repeatedly raping a 12-year-old girl.

Williams, a 33-year-old coal miner, was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Sexual Offenders Court for three counts of rape.

Last month, Williams admitted to raping the young girl during February, August, and September 2021.

Williams was represented by Teriq Mohammed, while the state was represented by prosecutors Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry, and Paneeta Persaud.

On Wednesday, while delivering his sentencing remarks, Justice Kissoon said that he considered the psychological trauma the incident has caused the victim.

The Judge also considered that Williams breached the victim’s trust and has not expressed remorse since he still maintains his innocence.

Williams told the court that he opted to plead guilty to the crime because he does not want to waste any more time while languishing on remand.

Justice Kissoon said Williams who is “an adult, father of four and a husband” was a “sexual predator” who groomed the victim.

While considering the gravity of the crime, the Judge sentenced Williams to serve 12 years on the first count, 13 years, three months on the second count, and 15 years, three months on the third count.

However, the sentences will run concurrently and Williams will only serve 15 years and three months years in prison.

Justice Kissoon also ordered that he undergoes counselling for young sex offenders while in prison.